He was the husband of Cynthia D. (Gelsinger) Taylor, with whom he celebrated 15 years of marriage last Feb. 26. Born in Binghamton, N.Y., he was the son of the late Louis E. and L. Mabel Taylor.

He was of the Methodist faith and baptized at Asbury Methodist Church, in Allentown. Richard was a part-time cashier at the Ephrata Walmart for the past 11 years.

He retired from the United States Air Force in 1984 after serving 24 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. In his career he was stationed in France, Thailand, and Okinawa as well as various bases in the states of Texas, Florida, and Illinois. He was a member in good standing of the Reinholds VFW, the American Legion, and the Air Force Sergeants Association.

After retirement from the Air Force, Richard worked in the defense, aerospace, and nuclear industries prior to moving to Pennsylvania in 1993.

Richard was a 1960 graduate of Louis E. Dieruff High School in Allentown, as well as a 1991 graduate of the University of LaVerne in California with a B.S. degree in business management.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by five children: Tina L. McCasland; and Sara J. Ligman and her husband Josh R. Ligman of Ingleside, Texas; Lola D. Taylor of Portland, Tenn.; Richard T. Taylor II and Steven L. Taylor of Ingleside, Texas. He is survived by four grandchildren: James L. Taylor and his wife Ashley N. Taylor of Augusta, Ga.; Kyle J. McCasland and his wife Sondra E. Taylor of Ingleside, Texas; Robert D. Emberton and his girlfriend Brianna E. Gentry of Portland, Tenn.; and Brandy R. Ligman of Ingleside, Texas; five great-grandchildren: Mirium G. Campbell, Cassandra G. Taylor, and Hailey L. Taylor of Augusta, Ga.; Oliver R. McCasland of Ingleside, Texas; Zalee L. Gentry of Portland, Tenn.; two step-children: Eric S. Weaver of Ephrata, and Steven L. Weaver of Chambersburg; and two siblings: Esther Weldon and her husband Joe; and Elmer Taylor and his wife Becky of Montrose.

Richard was preceded in death by the mother of his children: Sandra L. Taylor; two sisters: Ruth Yeager and Grace McCullugh; as well as an uncle: A. Ralph Taylor, whom he shared a very special relationship with.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.